MLB Legend Gaylord Perry, Who Once Held an Enviable Pitching Record Passes Away Aged 84

MLB legend and Hall of Fame inductee Gaylord Perry has thus pitched the final shutout of his innings in the mortal realm. Perry was one of the greatest pitchers to have ever played the sport. He had a largely impactful career on the mound, remarkably spanning 22 years. Perry passed away on Thursday, December 1st, 2022, at the age of 84 due to natural causes. 

Perry earned the nickname ‘Spitball Master’ due to his unique pitching style. The opposition batters got into believing that he was doctoring the pitch. In 1974, he penned his autobiography, ‘Me and the Spitter’. Playing for eight different teams throughout his career, Perry registered a commendable 314-255 win-loss record with 3,554 total strikeouts. 

Gaylord Perry: Farewell to an MLB legacy 

A native of Williamston, North Carolina, Gaylord Perry admittedly pitched his trademark ‘spitball’ for the first time in 1964. In a game against the New York Mets, Perry made use of that salivated pitching technique for 10 scoreless innings. Perry was honorably the first-ever pitcher to win two Cy Young Awards from different leagues. He won for the first time as an American League player in 1972 and as a National League player in 1978. 

Speaking to the National Baseball Hall Of Fame, Perry once said, “Before I won my second Cy Young I thought I was too old. I didn’t think the writers would vote for me. But they voted on my performance, so I won it.” 

The Texas Rangers, a former team of the late Perry, have forwarded their condolences over Perry’s death by stating, “A fierce competitor every time he took the ball and more often than not gave the Rangers an opportunity to win the game. The Rangers express their sincere condolences to Gaylord’s family at this difficult time. This baseball great will be missed.” 

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Meanwhile, expressing sadness over Perry’s death, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, “On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Gaylord’s family, friends, and fans across our great game.” 

A brief note on Gaylord Perry’s memorable MLB career 

Perry made his MLB debut for the San Francisco Giants in 1962. Moving on, he played for the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and Kansas City Royals. The five-time All-Star Perry got inducted into the MLB Hall Of Fame in 1991. 

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What are your thoughts on Gaylord Perry’s MLB career?